His Grace Dr. Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore inaugurated the AICUF – State Convention ’09 at 11am by lighting the traditional lamp followed by the AICUF office bearers lighting the lamp together with the other guests as a symbol of Unity and Fraternity.

Honourable Justice Michael Saldanha, Former Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court was the Chief Guest on this occasion. His Excellency Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza – Bishop of Mangalore and Rev Sr. Olivia AC – Provincial Superior AC were the Guests of Honour.

Alan Prajwal, President of AICUF Karnataka welcomed the gathering. A floral welcome was given to all the dignitaries present on the dais.

Addressing the gathering Honourable Justice Michael Saldanha, Chief Guest said that an affirmative approach will formulate a lustrous divergence in society. “Young people can make positive modifications in society, which will cultivate harmony”, he added.

In his address His Excellency Bishop Aloysius Paul, Bishop of Mangalore said that youth is the future of India; but many of them are targeted by the society or carried away by money to the extent of losing identity and self respect. He also said that AICUF is a right platform for the Youth to understand their responsibilities and act accordingly. He then concluded by congratulating Karnataka AICUF for conducting such a meaningful convention.

Earlier in the morning at 9:00 A.M. the Inaugural Mass was celebrated in St. Aloysius College Chapel. Most. Rev. Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore was the Main Celebrant, and was concelebrated by Most. Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore.

The State Convention ’09 with the theme “Redefining the future: The Role of Youth Today” is being organized in preparation to the National Convention to mark 85 years of AICUF in June 2010 at Chennai. There were around 200 Delegates from Karnataka and other parts of India. The delegates include present AICUF members, Ex AICUFers, past and present Animators, Advisors and well wishers.

The National Convention will be held in Loyola College, Chennai wherein the Karnataka AICUF will be represented by 300 participants.

The Key Note address on “Redefining the Future: The Role of Youth Today” was delivered by Ms. Ruth Manorama, Right Livelihood Awardee (Alternate Nobel Prize) at 2:00 P.M.

The AICUF -State Convention ’09 is a 3 day event and will conclude on Wednesday, 30th December 2009 at 4.00 P.M. in the Pretorium, St Aloysius PU College, Mangalore

Various Cultural programs by the delegates and outsiders will also be conducted. The amendment of the AICUF constitution will be followed after the thorough study sessions of the constitution by the delegates.

The Closing Ceremony will take place on 30th December 2009 at 4.00 P.M. which will be presided over by His Excellency Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore.

Mr. Oscar Fernandes, MP & General Secretary – INC will be the Chief Guest of the Closing Ceremony along with the Guests of Honour, Dr. Fr. Joseph Xavier SJ, President – XBHE in India and Rev. Fr. Joseph Rodrigues, Rector – St. Aloysius College Institutions.

The All India Catholic University Federation, the Karnataka State consists of the AICUF units of various Catholic Colleges/ Parishes in Karnataka. This academic year, the Karnataka AICUF has organized several awareness programmes like Leadership Camps, Rural Exposure Visits, and Seminars and has worked for many social causes.

AICUF (All India Catholic University Federation) is a student’s movement in its 85th year of existence (1924-2010) with a membership of 35,000 students in 300 units in 12 states and is affiliated to the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS), Pax Romana, and has its Head Quarters in Chennai. AICUF strives for the marginalised and under privileged. The movement started in 1924, at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli by Fr. Carty, S.J.